Copying Chinese calligraphy classics - a path to mastery of the brush

The right and the only way to mastering the art of Chinese calligraphy is practice. But the way one practices is essential, and to be able to truly comprehend the secrets of this ancient art, one has to spend a lifetime on studying the classics. Copying old masterpieces has been taught since the beginning of Chinese calligraphy, and goes at least 3500 years back, to the times of Zhen Ren, the holy diviners, high priests of the Shang society. There are no shortcuts in the studies of Chinese calligraphy, and there is no easy way to master it. Here is my copy of a short fragment of a classic by Chu Suliang of the Tan dynasty, who is one of my most favorite ancient calligraphers. I wrote it a few minutes ago at the end of my studies, as I had a bit of ink left. Enjoy!  臨風亭而 - overlooking the Wind Pavilion.